33rd Student Yachting World Cup - Day 4
by Icarus Sailing Media 18 Oct 2013 10:18 NZDT
14-19 October 2013
During the fourth day of racing, the Swiss team put in an outstanding performance which has moved them up to second place. France team from Kedge BS keeps the top place in the overall rankings.
The fourth day was made up of 4 windward-leeward races with two laps each. The teams enjoyed a clear sky with a shining sun in Pornic.
In the morning the wind was much lower than the previous days, around 10 knots. The teams had to review their tactics and strategies. In the first race of the day, Scotland didn't start as well as usual and were 9th at the second mark. Switzerland looked to be in good shape for the races of the day and finished second. France seems to be unbeatable and won again. The USA team was 3rd.
The wind speed went even lower for the second race. With only 7 knots on the instruments, the light wind skills of the teams and keenness of tuning were even more crucial. At the first mark, France rounded only 9th while Germany, which had made a great start, was leading. However, all the teams were side by side and at the finish line Switzerland had overtaken Germany to take the win. The results were Switzerland first, then Germany, USA and France. The latter had not stopped any effort to regain the lost places.
As the third race started, the wind did not strengthen and the teams needed to concentrate even more on how to plot their course. At the first mark, the French were leading followed by Germany and Australia. The boats were really close to each other and the skippers needed to pay close attention to their surroundings. Still, on the first leeward, the wind swung left. Switzerland took the opportunity to take the lead of the race, leaving France in 7th place. Australia improved to get second. France tried to struggle back but finished 4th after Switzerland, Australia and England.
In the afternoon the wind was very shifty. At the first mark, Australia was first. Ireland, Switzerland, and England came after. After the first lap, France was leading, then Switzerland and Australia. The mark roundings were very crowded as there were only 2 minutes between the first and the last team. France won the last race of the day; Switzerland got second then England and Australia. The USA finished fifth but got an OCS penalty for a false start.
The races today proved that there is still a fight for leading the Student Yachting World Cup. France keeps the lead but strong competitors were revealed as Switzerland won two races and almost won the other two. Today's races proved once again that the final ranking are not settled yet, there is a tiny gap of 4 points between Switzerland (2nd) and the USA (3rd). Tomorrow, the crews are due to compete in good weather conditions again. The races may have some surprises in store!
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